Backed by Mark Cuban's HDNet Fights promotion, estranged UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture (Pictures) nabbed a substantial victory Monday in his ongoing legal dispute against Zuffa.

The District Court of Dallas County, Texas, denied Zuffa's three motions to stay, delay and/or dismiss HDNet's challenge of Couture's promotional contract, on which Zuffa says the fighter still owes two bouts.

The decision opens doors for the court to hear HDNet's motion for a summary judgment on June 2, a date that could conceivably offer resolution on Couture's standing as a free agent. Couture contends his promotional contract will expire in July, once the agreement reaches its 16-month conclusion.

HDNet first brought suit against Zuffa in Texas on Feb. 13, decreeing that they had a business arrangement with Couture pending his separation from Zuffa and urging the court to make a summary judgment (decision) on his promotional contract status with the company.

On April 21, Zuffa filed motions to stay, dismiss and/or delay the case in Texas, arguing that such a ruling on the contract provisions would undermine efforts underway in Las Vegas courts to clarify terms. Judge Carl Ginsberg turned down all three motions.

Couture's legal battles with Zuffa will continue in Nevada. His employment contract is the crux of a breach of contract lawsuit filed by Zuffa on Jan. 14, with the company alleging Couture's name (as well as that of Xtreme Couture) and likeness were being used to advertise a rival promotion and that the athlete made "false claims" that damaged the company. Zuffa is also seeking arbitration on his promotional (fight) contract, though that could be affected by a Texas ruling.

All parties agree that Couture's one-year non-compete clause in his employment contract expires in October 2008. Should the Texas court rule in favor of HDNet on June 2, the hypothetical bout between Couture and Russian heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures) could materialize before year's end.